Metsä Board’s change negotiations concluded in Finland

On 31 July 2025, Metsä Board announced the launch of a cost savings and profitability improvement programme valued at approximately EUR 200 million. The objective of the programme is to adjust the company’s cost structure, enhance operational efficiency, and strengthen the foundation for sustainable long-term growth. As part of this initiative, the company began change negotiations on 7 October 2025 involving its entire personnel across all operating countries.

The estimated need for personnel reductions under these negotiations was up to 315 employees, including 155 in Finland. The change negotiations in Finland have now been completed, resulting in a total reduction of 150 positions. In addition, Metsä Board will implement organisational changes and adjustments to roles and functions in order to improve operational efficiency and reinforce competitiveness.

As a consequence of the change negotiations in Finland, Metsä Board will record approximately EUR 12 million in one-off costs in its comparable operating result for the fourth quarter of 2025.

Change negotiations are still ongoing in Metsä Board’s other operating countries in accordance with local legislation, and the outcomes will be communicated at a later stage.

Furthermore, it was concluded that in 2026 the company may implement temporary layoff periods in multiple phases at its Finnish production sites to align production with a potentially prolonged period of weak demand for paperboard. At the Kemi, Kyröskoski, Simpele, and Äänekoski mills, potential layoffs may last up to 90 days, whereas at the Kaskinen and Joutseno sites they may exceed 90 days. The extent and allocation of any layoffs will be determined separately based on the prevailing situation.